Internet Monitoring Guide

The ability to take advantage of new technology is paramount to success within the Alarm Industry. It ultimately equates to improved performance and ever-increasing security for our customers. Internet Monitoring is just such an advancement, which will enable us to achieve these goals.

Introduction to Internet Monitoring

The Internet , with its broadband capacity of network alarm communications - of either DSL, Cable, ADSL, etc. - provides an alternative method of monitoring alarm signals efficiently and economically, which is far superior to telephone-based systems. Our advanced performance Sur-Gard Receivers allow us to offer Internet Monitoring, which results in a higher quality of service for our customers.

When a piece of alarm equipment at the premises is tripped, the resulting alarm signal is sent from the control panel to the DSC Communicator through the Ethernet Network to our Alarm Monitoring Central Station Receiver. This method provides flexibility and an always-on, two-way line of communication.

The Internet Alarm Communicator stream is small and requires only a limited amount of network bandwidth. The minimum LAN requirements are a router/firewall and broadband modem Cable/ADSL. This ensures that the integrity of the data being transferred never becomes compromised.

As an example, the T-Link TL 250 can be configured as a static or dynamic (DHCP) IP address. The number of T-Link TL 250 modules that can be connected to a LAN/WAN network is limited only by the network data traffic capacity. The new T-Link TCP/IP (Internet Protocol) transmitter works within your existing Intranet (LAN and WAN) to communicate alarm signals efficiently. This latest equipment provides seamless integration within the existing automation software at our Alarm Monitoring Central Station and its constant connectivity provides for a fully supervised link.

What Equipment is needed to make Internet Monitoring Work?

DSC has produced a T-Link series of next-generation, low-cost, high-performance, Universal Alarm Internet Communicators, such as: TL150, TL250 and TL300. Each one of these compact, feature-rich models addresses various challenges the Alarm Installers face in the field.

The specific model chosen for installation depends upon the capabilities and/or limitations of the existing alarm control panel at the premises. These devices are considered universal and, therefore, compatible with any alarm control panel on the market today.

With this simple network configuration, the T-Link functions as a conduit for digital transmissions linking the alarm control panel through the Internet to our Alarm Monitoring Central Station Receiver. These products solve the problems currently inherent with digital communicators, which use voice-over IP when transmitting alarm signals.

Manufacturer's Documentation

Manufacturer's Installation Guide

Constant Connectivity to our Alarm Monitoring Central Station

With Internet Monitoring, there is a direct connection to our Alarm Monitoring Central Station using a T-link module, which provides constant surveillance. This device works in concert with the alarm control panel at the premises and creates a continuous connectivity. This connectivity creates a fully-supervised link between the existing alarm control panel, the T-Link module, and our Alarm Monitoring Central Station.

The T-link module has built-in safeguards

Any disruption detected by the module, any indications of tampering, or any loss of its constant heartbeat signal will automatically generate an alarm code at our Alarm Monitoring Central Station. If this happens, the Alarm Dispatcher can take appropriate measures instantly to respond to the situation.

Cost Reductions

Special Function Monitoring

By using the TL300 series of Alarm Internet Communicators, the cost for monitoring Special Functions, such as Scheduled System Tests and Openings / Closings can be reduced significantly. This communicator, or Alarm Capture Module, works in conjunction with any alarm control panel that transmits in the Contact ID Format. This device will re-transmit all the functionality from the exiting alarm control panel at the premises over the Internet, rather than using the telephone network. Since these transmissions are free, Special Functions will cost less to monitor.

Telephone Costs

Also, the Customer can save telephone costs for fire monitoring, since regulations require two dedicated telephone lines to monitor this functionality. With T-Link communicators these costs can be eliminated.

Insurance Premiums

By virtue of the outstanding UL listings that Customers receive by using Internet Monitoring their insurance premiums may be lowered even further than just with traditional digital communication of alarm signaling.

Unparalleled Dependability

To ensure dependable and timely event notification, the T-Link modules are capable of reporting to two different receiver IP addresses - a back-up feature that allows communication to continue in the event one of the IP addresses is inaccessible. The T-Link family of universal Alarm Internet Communicators can also be programmed to communicate events to two different e-mail addresses. These e-mail addresses can be associated with a personal computer, pager, enabled mobile phone, or PDA.

UL Ratings

DSC's T-Link Series of universal Alarm Internet Communicators have won the coveted Commercial and Residential UL AA High-line Fire and Burglary Listings. These designations may lower the customer's insurance premiums even further than just standard monitoring.

UL1610: Central Station Burglar-Alarm Units

UL864: Control Units System for Fire-Protective Signalling System

UL1023: Household Burglar Alarm System Units

UL985: Household Fire Warning System Units

UL365: Police Station Connected Burglar Alarm Units and Systems

Secure Communication

All alarm transmissions using DSC's universal, Alarm Internet Communicators have the capacity to be fully secure. When in alarm, the enabled module sends an encrypted message through the Internet to our Alarm Monitoring Central Station.

This device utilizes industry-leading, 128-bit AES encryption, polling, and hardware substitution protection and application-specific hardware to help eliminate security risks. Because the TL250 communication stream is minimal and draws only small amounts of network bandwidth, the data transfer remains timely and accurate.

Ease of Use and Flexibility

Programming the T-Link communicators can be accomplished locally using a keypad or the T-Link Console software over the IP network connection made directly to the Ethernet port. By interfacing to the communicator's four on-board programmable inputs, the unit can be configured to operate as a stand-alone communicator for interfacing existing third-party control equipment. Full, two-way communication with the T-Link module and the Alarm Monitoring Central Station's Receivers' IP line cards allow for alarm reporting, as well as remote diagnostics. System administration of panel events, user codes, and control capabilities are also features of the T-Link console software.

Download Software

Simple installation of the T-Link modules is assured through utilization of the built-in PC-Link and T-Link Console software. Administration of accounts can be accomplished over the Internet from anywhere in the world using free download software - no other software application is required. Software updates can be downloaded remotely from any personal computer, as the hardware platform of the T-Link family of Alarm Monitoring Communicators features upgradeable flash memory.

Through the use of DSC's downloading software, a system administrator can request information from the panel, generate status reports, and gather daily maintenance details (schedules, arm/disarm information) from a personal computer. All this functionality can be performed at the panel location or remotely via the TCP/IP network or dial-up modem.

Major VoIP Providers DO NOT Support Transmissions from Alarm Communicators

Many existing digital communicator alarm control panel formats are not compatible with the major Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network services. Therefore, alarm signal data may be lost or distorted and may not be transmitted to our Alarm Monitoring Central Station reliably. Many of the VoIP providers such as: AT&T, Sprint, Vonage, etc. state clearly in their literature and in their contracts that they do not support digital transmissions from alarm communicators.

Please Note: The content of these contracts may change at any time at the sole discretion of the VoIP providers.

VONAGE: Home Security Systems. The Service may not be compatible with home security systems. You may be required to maintain a telephone connection through your local exchange carrier in order to use any alarm monitoring functions for any security system installed in your home or business. You are responsible for contacting the alarm monitoring company to test the compatibility of any alarm monitoring or security system with the Service.

AT&T: Home Security Systems and other Non-voice Communications Equipment: Home security systems and medical monitoring equipment are not compatible with AT&T CallVantage Service. Other non-voice communications equipment, including but not limited to, devices set up to make automatic phone calls, fax machines, and modems may be compatible with AT&T CallVantage Service. By accepting this Agreement, you use the Service at your own risk and waive any claim against AT&T for interference with or disruption of such systems due to the Services.

COMCAST: INCOMPATIBILITY OF THE SERVICES WITH CERTAIN EQUIPMENT, SERVICES, AND ACTIVITIES: You acknowledge and understand that the Services may not support or be compatible with: Non-Recommended Configurations as defined in Section 3.b (including but not limited to MTAs not currently certified by Comcast as compatible with the Services); Certain non-voice communications equipment, including certain makes or models of alarm and home security systems, certain medical monitoring devices, certain fax machines, and certain dial-up modems; Rotary-dial phone handsets, pulse-dial phone handsets, and models of other voice-related communications equipment such as private branch exchange (PBX) equipment, answering machines, and traditional Caller ID units.

VERIZON: VoiceWing will not support home security systems.

SUNROCKET: SERVICE LIMITATIONS: You understand and acknowledge that the Service may not be compatible with all non-voice communications equipment, including but not limited to, home security systems, medical monitoring equipment, fax machines, satellite television systems, and computer modems. You waive any claim against SunRocket for interference or disruption of such services and equipment.

For Alarm Dealers, the liability issues derived from these communication failures, and the failure to get line-seizure using VoIP with standard dialers, are significant and should not be over-looked. One need only review the various web sites on the Internet, which address these important topics to fully understand the scope and breadth of this problem.

Related Links

Fortunately, DSC has developed a family of T-Link products, which can work in concert with the VoIP network and which can readily, cleanly, and accurately transmit signals from the control panel thus eliminating your liability and further ensuring customer safety.